Abstract
BackgroundPrimarily Spanish-speaking cancer patients and caregivers often experience non-congruence with healthcare providers about beliefs, values, and knowledge of cancer. Our goal was to describe how communication related to the diagnosis of cancer was influenced by culture and language among primarily Spanish-speaking caregivers of pediatric cancer patients. MethodsCaregivers participated in three focus groups about their experiences with their child’s diagnosis, communication issues, and understanding of their child’s diagnosis and treatment plan. Focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed using interpretive description. ResultsThree themes emerged: 1) Negative experiences and barriers during the cancer diagnosis and treatment, 2) Miscommunication and system complexity, and 3) Language barriers throughout the diagnostic process. Due to barriers and negative experiences, some caregivers reported that their child’s diagnosis was delayed, that providers sometimes used dehumanizing language, and that they were confused about diagnostic testing and treatment. ConclusionCultural and linguistic disparities in pediatric oncology must be systematically addressed at the provider, clinic, and system level. Practice implicationsHigh-quality cancer care delivered by oncologists and cancer care teams should include cultural humility when discussing the cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.